Ethiopia’s Ethio Coders Program Aims to Foster a Thriving Generation in Digitalization

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) recently launched the Five Million Ethiopian Coders' Initiative, an ambitious program aimed at training five million Ethiopians in coding by 2026. This initiative, which is being implemented in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, underscores Ethiopia's commitment to digital transformation and the development of skilled human resources in the technology sector. During the launch event, held at the Science Museum, PM Abiy urged the youth to seize this opportunity, emphasizing that the program is open to all citizens.

The Five Million Coders program is part of Ethiopia's broader Digital Ethiopia 2025 Strategy, which seeks to facilitate the country's digital transformation by enhancing digital skills, promoting private sector participation, and reforming policies to create a conducive environment for technology-driven growth. With the increasing importance of digital skills in today’s economy, the initiative aims to nurture the talents of the younger generation in computer programming and related fields.

Coding, which serves as the foundational language for digital communication, is becoming increasingly vital for individuals in a world where electronic devices and internet access are ubiquitous. Historically, coding was the domain of computer science professionals; however, as the digital landscape evolves, coding has emerged as a fundamental skill for all, particularly for the youth, who are key drivers of economic growth.

The Five Million Coders initiative is a significant step toward equipping Ethiopia's youth with essential skills in coding, which is critical for fostering job creation and supporting the digital economy. During the launch, PM Abiy highlighted that coding will soon be a normal practice, encouraging early training for the youth to prepare them for future endeavors in the digital realm. He stated, "We have to invest today so that our children would not become new to coding."

According to PM Abiy, the initiative is designed to provide online training in coding, offering flexibility and accessibility to participants across the country. The program will cover a range of essential coding skills, including the fundamentals of programming, mobile application development, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI) programming. By focusing on these key areas, the initiative aims to prepare Ethiopian youth for both local and international job markets.

Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla (PhD), expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that it will significantly contribute to achieving Ethiopia's digital transformation goals. He emphasized the ministry's commitment to reaching the target of training five million individuals through online platforms over the next three years.

Abiyot Bayu (PhD), Senior Advisor to the Minister of Innovation and Technology, elaborated on the importance of coding in today’s digital age. He pointed out that coding is no longer confined to computer science experts but is essential for everyday tasks in an increasingly digitalized world. Abiyot noted that many applications used on mobile phones and computers originate from coding, which makes it a crucial skill in the current economic landscape.

As part of this initiative, the government aims to ensure that all Ethiopians can access coding training, fostering an inclusive approach to skill development. Abiyot highlighted that over 60,000 Ethiopians are currently working with international companies without leaving the country, thanks to their coding skills. This reflects the growing trend of youth engagement in the coding field, with numbers increasing significantly over the past four years.

The Five Million Coders initiative not only aims to provide essential coding skills but also seeks to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and build a digital workforce that can safeguard Ethiopia's digital infrastructure. The training will be delivered in partnership with internationally recognized institutions, ensuring that participants receive globally accepted knowledge and certification.

In conclusion, the Five Million Ethiopian Coders' Initiative represents a transformative opportunity for the nation’s youth. By prioritizing digital skills development, Ethiopia aims to equip its population with the necessary tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy, ultimately contributing to the country's economic growth and development. Families and youth are encouraged to take advantage of this open opportunity to enhance their skills and prepare for the future.